Hi girls,
I wondered if anyone had any experience of this stuff - I've tried not to read about it before, as I was hoping it wouldn't affect me.
After 3 unsuccessful IVF attempts (and 2 abandoned cycles) I've just seen my consultant and had results from nk assay panel, thrombotic risk and anticardiolipin tests.
I can't remember all the numbers but he said I have an increased risk of clotting, and also one of the nk tests was too high, and so he's suggested taking intralipids + aspirin + steroids + clexane during my next FET cycle.
There was too much information in front of me to remember all the different tests, and which one meant what, but I was hoping someone might have some advice about what to expect from taking all these extra meds (side effects etc.)
And hopefully some positive stories about how these tests have been a turning point!
Our next cycle will be our last nhs-funded cycle, and possibly therefore our last cycle altogether, so we're pinning all our hopes on these test results and the supplementary meds.
Hope someone can help
thanks x

I'm just reading a thousand accounts of people's heads puffing up like footballs, and getting hairy faces, and being unable to stop eating because of steroids
Does anyone have any happy steroid stories for me please?

Hi Rosa,
the major side effect I had from steroid was lack of sleep. But I felt really good on them, had loads of energy and my face didn't puff up!
Try and take the steroids as early in the morning as you can.
Take care and try not to worry.

I had no side effects from the steroids, although since Maria mentioned it, I did have weird sleep the last time, feeling kind of tired but hyper at the same time.

Those accounts you have read, were they about people taking steroids as part of fertility treatment? I have never heard of the side effects you are worried about. For fertility treatment the dose is very low and you're only taking them for a short time.

I'm currently on all the drugs you mention and have no side effects. As Maria suggested I take my steroids first thing in the morning and have been fine. My only observation has possibly been an increased appetite, but I'm also greedy so it could be that

The combo worked for us, I'm currently 6weeks pregnant so try not to worry x

Never give up on your dreams...they do come true.
ICSI #8, Anna born 26/2/14....the most amazing gift in the world x

Hi Rosa, I have no experience to answer any of your questions but I am interested to know if your GP ordered all those blood tests? I have had a failed IUI and 1 failed IVF, starting 2nd round of IVF in August (currently sniffing) and I would be keen to have these bloods done to assess my risk of clotting etc..think everyone really should be screened! In Northern Ireland you only get 1 NHS so if this fails its off to private treatment again eeeeeek!!! Thanks and good luck x

I've taken the drugs you mention for my last 3 cycles and the only real side effect I had was an increased appetite from the steroids. I bruised like a peach with the cleaxane injections mind, and the bruises took weeks to go away - I went on holiday and looked like a battered wife in my bikini!!

To be honest, the only drug I've taken that I don't like at all is buserelin - I can't cope with the headaches and hot sweats. If you can cope with buserelin then these will be a breeze!!

Hi Snuggly,
No, these weren't ordered by the GP. Our clinic consultant advised us to get tested after 3 negative cycles. I think GPs can only order these tests after 3 miscarriages.
My consultant says that the tests aren't funded by the NHS for implantation failure because there haven't been enough studies as yet.
We decided to pay privately for the tests to make sure we were getting the most out of our last NHS cycle.
It's such a shame that the NHS don't do these when you start IVF, as it does feel like we've wasted our previous cycles.

Thanks Constance. Hopefully by the time I'm doing Clexane it will be autumn and no one will get to see my battered wife look. I Good luck with your new consultant, fingers crossed that this cycle will be the one for you xx

I'm an immune lady and have taken all of the above lol. The only one with side effects is the prednisilone which I assume is the steroid you will take. They affected my sleep and at times gave me lots of energy! But I didn't have any weight or moon face problems at all and I was on them for about 14 weeks for my current pregnancy. I was pleased to come off them but they're more than worth it for a successful pregnancy !
Wishing you lots of luck, we had multiple cycles too and I know how hard it is. I totally agree that it should all be investigated before starting IVF. They should go on all the fertility forums if they want proof it works!